Just how easy is it to port iOS apps to Windows 10? Hands-on demo leaves us impressed

Windows 10 as a platform is one that, if nothing, else, is chock full of potential. Whether it just gets by or manages to thrive is going to depend a lot on how able manufacturers and devs are to tap in to a lot of that promise, from universal apps that effortlessly transition between device types, to tools that streamline ports from competing platforms. Things may have hit a snag when it comes to Android apps, but Microsoft’s been making some visible progress with its Windows Bridge for iOS. Talk is cheap, though; just how easy is it really for a dev to adapt an existing iOS app for Windows 10? Today we get a hands-on demo as developer David Burela uses Microsoft’s tools to show us how straightforward the process can be, taking an iOS app and preparing a Windows 10 version in just a few minutes.

Burela works with the 2009 endless runner game Canabalt, which has an open source iOS port. Starting from there, Burela shows us how simple it is to take Objective C Cannabalt code and import it into Visual Studio.

In a matter of seconds, the project is loaded and ready to be run as a Windows 10 program. With a little further editing, the software can be tweaked to look even more at home on Windows, but just using the automated tools, most everything’s working right out of the gate: input, sound, and even touch controls (for supported hardware).

We know, certainly not every iOS app will make the transition to Windows 10 quite so smoothly, but this is one impressive demonstration, all the same.

Stephen has been writing about electronics since 2008, which only serves to frustrate him that he waited so long to combine his love of gadgets and his degree in writing. In his spare time, he collects console and arcade game hardware, is a motorcycle enthusiast, and enjoys trapping blue crabs. Stephen's first mobile device was a 624 MHz Dell Axim X30, which he's convinced is still a viable platform. Stephen longs for a market where phones are sold independently of service, and bandwidth is cheap and plentiful; he's not holding his breath. In the meantime, he devours smartphone news and tries to sort out the juicy bitsRead more about Stephen Schenck!